For the past year, Gandhi Fellow Ankita Dakhane has worked in Mosaboni block, Jharkhand. Her initial approach centered on listening. She spent time with pregnant women, talked to ASHAs, and accompanied ANMs on home visits. This immersion helped her understand how maternal care information was shared, what concerns women expressed, and what remained unaddressed. It provided insight into the realities of maternal care delivery.
Through this engagement, Ankita identified recurring issues: incomplete antenatal check-ups and early discharge after delivery. She recognized these weren't solely awareness problems but were also linked to how the healthcare facility functioned.
Shifting her focus, Ankita began frequent visits to the CHC Mosaboni, specifically observing the labour room and postnatal care areas. She documented her observations directly: gaps in care processes, instances of discharge before the recommended stay duration, and a lack of focus on respectful care practices. She presented these documented findings to the Medical Officer In-Charge, initiating discussions on potential improvements.
Based on her observations, Ankita proposed specific changes: encouraging mothers to stay for the recommended 48 hours post-delivery to allow for newborn monitoring and maternal recovery. She also stressed that respectful treatment – including privacy and clear communication – was as vital as medical procedures.
Change is a gradual process. However, Ankita's consistent presence and her ability to connect with both health staff and the women receiving care have fostered an environment for open dialogue. She continues to collaborate with the CHC team and health workers, focusing on incremental steps to improve the delivery and experience of maternal care in Mosaboni.
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